The Supreme Court today(on 5th April) has issued a notice to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) following a plea from the AAP government, accusing the finance department of withholding approved funds.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today(on 5th April) took a step by issuing a notice to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), responding to a plea from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The plea accuses the Delhi government’s finance department of withholding funds duly approved for the DJB, the entity tasked with ensuring the supply of potable water to India’s capital city.
Presided over by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud alongside Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, the bench addressed the Delhi government’s Principal Secretary (Finance), instructing the release of the pending funds to the DJB. This action aims to provide temporary relief to the financial difficulties faced by the water utility organization, as the court seeks clarification regarding the details of the pending funds.
The justices expressed a keen interest in understanding the details regarding the funds owed to the DJB directly from the utility itself, marking a clear intent to delve into the root of the financial discord.
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The court has scheduled the next hearing on this petition for April 10.
The plea that triggered the Supreme Court’s notice was initially presented on April 1, spotlighting the allegation against the Principal Secretary (Finance) for not disbursing the necessary funds to the DJB despite having the requisite approval from the legislative assembly.
Senior lawyer Abhishek Singhvi, representing the Delhi government, articulated the frustration experienced by the AAP government, stating-
“My civil servants do not listen to me,”
and disclosed that a substantial sum of Rs 1,927 crore was still pending release to the DJB.
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Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud provided reassurance to the AAP government, affirming the Supreme Court’s authority to mandate the release of the designated funds for the DJB even if they were to lapse after March 31.
